Lake County adopts ordinance to define natural-gas resiliency facilities, allow solar in agricultural zones

LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt an amendment to the county's land development regulations that defines and permits "natural gas resiliency facilities" in commercial and industrial zoning districts and allows solar facilities in agricultural zones.

County Attorney Melanie presented the ordinance as the second and final reading and said the changes were required by state law. If filed with the Florida Department of State, the measure will become Ordinance 2025-15.

The ordinance amends Lake County Code Appendix C, chapter 2 (definitions), and section 30.103 (schedule of permitted and conditional uses) to add definitions and to list the new uses in the zoning schedule. Melanie told commissioners the provisions include standard severability language and specify filing with the Department of State.

There was no public comment on the measure at the hearing. After a motion and second, commissioners voted "aye" and the motion passed unanimously among the three members present. The clerk will file the adopted ordinance with the Department of State as provided in the text.

The change implements a state-mandated update to local zoning rules and places the specifics of permitted facilities and any applicable conditions into the county's land-development code. The ordinance text and the county's official filing will specify the effective date upon transmittal to the state.